The Quincy Police Department saw an increase in burglaries occurring during the month of December and is asking the public for help in solving these crimes.

According to Assistant Chief Glenn Sapp, “December is a month that most police departments see an increase in property crimes such as burglaries and thefts. There are several reasons for this to include shorter daylight hours and greater opportunity for criminals due to holiday shopping and purchases.”

Sapp said some common items stolen by criminal included flat-screen TVs, electronics and jewelry. Several observations noted by QPD included several churches broken into and homes with window AC units being broken into by criminals simply removing the unsecured AC units from the windows and entering the homes through the unsecured windows. Always purchase a bracket and secure window AC units with bolts or screws.

Some tips to prevent becoming a victim of burglary include:

 Lighting — this is one of the most cost-effective deterrents to burglary. Extra exterior lighting tends to ward off would-be thieves and leaving a light on indoors gives the impression of the house being occupied.

 Locks — strong reliable locks are essential to effective home security. Always keep doors and windows locked — even a five-minute trip to the store is long enough for a burglar to enter your home. Always choose deadbolts with at least a 1-inch throw in the locked position.

 Landscaping — always trim plants and shrubbery that could conceal a criminal. Your landscaping should provide maximum visibility to and from your home.

The Quincy Police Department is working hard to increase patrols in neighborhoods and follow-up on leads in active cases. However, police can’t do it alone and need the help of the community to prevent and solve crime. Citizens are reminded to call police anytime they see something or someone strange in their neighborhood. Things like strange unfamiliar cars driving through the neighborhood could be criminals casing a house.

The Quincy Police Department is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for committing these holiday season burglaries.